Growing up on Maryland’s Eastern Shore means that, as a local, your family are either farmers or watermen. My family fell into the former category. My Pop-Pop and my Dad always told my sisters and me that we were fifth generation dairy farmers on the Delmarva Peninsula, and the only reason they probably never claimed more was because the family bible didn’t list careers any farther back. Being a part of the agriculture industry is more than just a tradition in my family, it is embedded into our souls and DNA. Not all farmers are like this though.
Farming isn’t like royalty, not every farmer is born into the profession, which is great. Some just hear a calling for food production, like Dave Gevry. Haven’t heard of him? Well you should. This man is a disabled veteran who returned from combat deployment in 2011. Three years later, he is on Kickstarter looking for assistance supporting a farm he established to help other disabled veterans.
“Caring for animals and growing food is a therapeutic way to address physical and emotional scars while providing food to the community we live in and families that reside in Little Falls, NY.”
Dave Gevry
This man felt the rare calling to farming and expanded on it to create this amazing idea. Now, honestly, I haven’t been to his farm and I don’t know if he is following the same type of practices as we do at my farm, but as long as it is humane, clean, and honest, that okay. Different doesn’t mean wrong, it just means different. Organic or conventional, large or small, we are all in this industry together.
At my house, every day is Farmer’s Day, but for the rest of the world, that holiday fell on Sunday, October 12, 2014. This year, I hope that you send a prayer towards all the farmers in the world working their butts off for something they are passionate about, or if praying isn’t your thing at least show some gratitude in whatever way you feel appropriate. Look into your heart and see if it is whispering to you that this industry is meant for you too. If so, I warn you it won’t be an easy path, but in life, there are very few easy paths no matter which you choose. The best bet is to choose one you are passionate about and at the end of the day the sweat, the sore muscles, and the hard work will be all worth it. Happy Farmer’s Day, everyone!
All posts are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily represent the view of the Animal Ag Alliance.
